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LAWLESS : GOVT MUST ADDRESS BROADBAND PLAN CONCERNS

James Lawless TD spoke in the Dáil this week during the debate on the National Broadband Plan

“As vice chair of the Committee on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, our committee conducted a detailed scrutiny of the plan and found the current tender is massively over budget and overly complex. The department of public expenditure has also found that the cost benefit analysis is not positive. The cost of the plan has been escalating while the number of homes requiring intervention reduced constantly due to ever more installations and technology adaptions by the private sector. Imagine are already offering broadband to 80,000 houses and Eir to 300,000 that were due to be subsidized by the exchequer. Rather than ignoring the concerns surrounding the NBP, the Government should address them before committing billions of euro of public money.”

You can watch James speak here

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LAWLESS CRITICISES NTA ROLLBACK ON 120 BUS ROUTE

James Lawless TD has claimed that the decision by the NTA to remove double decker buses from the 120 and other commuter coach services in Kildare has caused huge problems with a service that already was under pressure.

Double decker buses have been transferred to Go Ahead as they prepare to take over the operation of the routes.

James commented, “Services at peak times simply do not have enough capacity and the decision by the NTA to transfer double deck buses to Go Ahead and not make arrangements to alleviate the inevitable problems is frustrating and just not good enough.”

“I wrote to the NTA and asked that increased capacity is provided and the NTA has informed me that Bus Eireann has put in place an operational plan to mitigate the problems.”

“Passengers cannot be expected to continue to pay for a lower quality service when we are not even sure of when the route will be transferred to Go Ahead and capacity levels will return to normal. It is expected by the end of this year, but we do not have a date or timetable and alternative arrangements to deal with short term capacity problems should be made by the NTA and Bus Eireann.”

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LAWLESS CRITICISES DELAY IN SALLINS UNDERGROUND CAR PARK

James Lawless TD has criticised the further delay in the provision of an Underground car park in Sallins Train Station

James said, “I recently wrote to the Group Secretary of CIÉ about the ongoing delay in opening the planned underground carpark at Sallins Train Station. The response, which is below, has confirmed that it is now not expected to open until spring in 2020. Geraldine Finucane, Group Secretary of CIÉ, outlined that Irish Rail are very close to agreeing terms with the agents on a lease for the underground carpark which would include the necessary remed…iation works. The site has suffered flooding in the past and requires substantial repairs to bring it up to the required standard.” Continue reading “LAWLESS CRITICISES DELAY IN SALLINS UNDERGROUND CAR PARK”

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O’ROURKE CALLS FOR INCREASED HALLOWEEN GARDA PRESENCE

Frank O’Rourke TD has called for increased Garda Patrols over the Halloween period to address the concerns of residents throughout North Kildare in relation to anti-social behaviour.

Frank said he had made representations to have increased Garda Patrols in North Kildare over the Halloween period in local parks and open spaces and that the Garda Commissioner needs to provide the Garda with the resources needed.

“Increased Garda patrols to tackle Public Order issues with particular emphasis placed on our local parks and open areas to prevent and minimise anti-social and criminal activity over the Halloween period.”

“The Halloween period can be a disruptive time for the community with increased anti-social behaviour taking place. We need to protect the community from the negative effects of this behaviour and increased Garda patrols will assist.”

“While Halloween can be fun time, unfortunately it can be a nightmare for some, due to the actions of a few. Older people, pets and families can be most vulnerable to the anti social behaviour of a few.”

“I know that many are concerned about bonfire materials being stockpiled in advance of Halloween. The Air Pollution Act 1987 prohibits the disposal of waste by uncontrolled burning. This law should be a deterrent for such activity.”

“Halloween is the busiest night for the fire brigade and emergency services, increased Garda activity and patrols will, in my view, minimise the anti-social behaviour element of Halloween and allow more people enjoy this time of year.”

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O’ROURKE INTRODUCES BILL TO BROADEN ACCESS TO HAP

Frank O’Rourke TD introduced a bill into the Dáil last night that seeks to allow families facing eviction access the HAP scheme sooner.

Frank commented, “This Bill aims to prevent families from entering homelessness, by making changes in access to HAP. As it stands, a family served with a tenancy termination notice can only access HAP as their eviction date looms. My Bill seeks to give families access to HAP at a much earlier stage of their notice period, thereby giving time to seek and secure alternative accommodation. As well as the social implications, my Bill also makes economic sense, as it costs the state significantly more to house families in emergency accommodation, than in a stable home assisted by HAP.”

You can see Frank speak in the Dáil here